Update 16 – Acton tunnel road closures

The tunnel remains closed to westbound traffic on Parkes Way while the cleanup operation continues.

The speed limit on the eastbound lanes of Parkes Way has been reverted back to 90 km/h. The change in speed limit was made possible due to lighting being re-established in the tunnels. The speed limit was reduced to 40 km/h on Tuesday to mitigate safety risks associated with the dark tunnel to drivers, many of whom wouldn’t have headlights on during daylight hours, as well as all of the people working on foot in the area.

Roads ACT staff and contractors have worked throughout the night to address damage to the tunnel so motorists can use the westbound lanes of Parkes Way as soon as safely possible. More than 120 panels and structural steel support has now been removed. Work is continuing to decontaminate the vehicle before it is removed from the tunnel.

The removal of the truck and associated works are complex and require a large range of expertise. The damage to the tiles, which are 85 kilograms when dry, was also more extensive than anticipated and the safe removal of these has impacted on how long it has taken to prepare the road for reopening.

Workers have made progress in repairing the sprinkler system, which received significant damage.